Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking from Coursera

In order to find a solution, one needs to be able to analyze a problem. This short course is designed to teach you how to solve and analyze problems effectively with critical and creative thinking.

Through the use of creative and critical thinking you will learn how to look at a problem and find the best solution by analyzing the different ways you can solve a problem. By taking this quick course you will gain the skills you need to find the root cause of a problem through the use of a five-step method. You will learn the process you must go through in order to find the problem, which leads to finding a solution.

You will gain the necessary skills needed for critical and creative thinking which will be the foundation for successfully solving problems. This course provides fundamental skills that you will need to use in your day to day work.

The course is suitable for anyone – students, career starters, experienced professionals and managers - wanting to develop problem solving skills regardless of your background. By taking this course you will be gaining some of the essential skills you need in order to be successful in your professional life.

This course is part of the People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success Specialization from IBM.

What's inside

Syllabus

Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking

This module will help you to develop skills and behaviors required to solve problems and implement solutions more efficiently in an agile manner by using a systematic five-step process that involves both creative and critical thinking.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines creative thinking and critical thinking, which are key traits in professional and personal success

Taught by the IBM Skills Network Team, who are recognized for their work in the field

Develops soft skills and fundamental skills, which enhance performance in day-to-day tasks

Course material promotes problem-solving skills, which are in high demand in professional settings

Involves five-step systematic process, offering structure and a clear methodology for problem solving

May require learners to come in with some prior knowledge on the topic and on the use of software

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking with these activities:

Review foundational concepts in critical thinking

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Strengthen your foundation in critical thinking by revisiting key concepts such as logical reasoning, argument analysis, and evidence evaluation.

Browse courses on Critical Thinking

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Review lecture notes or online resources on critical thinking principles.
Solve practice problems to test your understanding.
Engage in discussions or debates to apply critical thinking skills.

Read "Thinking and Problem Solving" by Robert J. Sternberg

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Gain insights from a renowned expert in cognitive psychology by reading this book, which provides a comprehensive overview of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies.

View Teaching for Wisdom, Intelligence, Creativity,... on Amazon

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Acquire the book through a library or online retailer.
Dedicate time to reading and studying the chapters.
Take notes and engage in critical reflection on the concepts.

Practice critical thinking skills with online tutorials

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Enhance your critical thinking abilities through guided online tutorials, deepening your understanding of problem-solving techniques.

Browse courses on Critical Thinking

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Identify reputable online platforms offering critical thinking tutorials.
Enroll in a beginner-level tutorial to establish a foundation.
Progress to more advanced tutorials to challenge your analytical skills.

Five other activities

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Collaborate with peers on problem-solving challenges

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Enhance your problem-solving abilities through collaborative sessions with peers, sharing diverse perspectives and fostering innovative solutions.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Form study groups or connect with classmates online.
Select complex problem-solving scenarios.
Brainstorm ideas and analyze problems collectively.

Solve problem-solving drill exercises

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Solidify your problem-solving skills by engaging in regular drill exercises, sharpening your ability to analyze and resolve issues effectively.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Allocate dedicated time for practice sessions.
Find online resources or textbooks with problem-solving exercises.
Start with basic exercises and gradually increase complexity.
Analyze your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Develop a creative presentation on problem-solving techniques

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Showcase your problem-solving creativity by developing a presentation that explains complex techniques in an engaging and visually compelling manner.

Browse courses on Creative Problem Solving

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Identify a specific problem-solving technique.
Research and gather relevant examples and case studies.
Craft a visually appealing presentation using slides, videos, or interactive elements.

Develop a problem-solving portfolio

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Showcase your problem-solving prowess by creating a portfolio of case studies, demonstrating your ability to analyze, resolve, and present complex problems.

Browse courses on Problem Solving

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Identify a range of real-world or hypothetical problems.
Apply critical thinking and creative problem-solving techniques to develop innovative solutions.
Document your process, including the problem statement, analysis, solution, and evaluation.

Contribute to open-source projects related to critical thinking and problem solving

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Gain real-world experience and connect with a community of experts by contributing to open-source initiatives that focus on critical thinking and problem-solving tools and methodologies.

Browse courses on Critical Thinking

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Identify relevant open-source projects.
Review the project documentation and contribute to discussions.
Submit code or documentation changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Problem Solver

Those working as Problem Solvers can benefit from the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course by developing a structured approach to solving problems. The course teaches a five-step method to analyze and find the root cause of a problem. Additionally, by teaching critical and creative thinking, the course helps Problem Solvers approach problems from different perspectives which may lead to more innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Problem Solver

Project Manager

Project Managers can benefit from the problem-solving techniques taught in the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course. It teaches a clear five-step method for analyzing and finding the root cause of a problem, a skill necessary for Project Managers to master in order to lead their teams to success. The course also teaches critical and creative thinking, two essential skills for Project Managers in order to plan, organize, and execute efficient projects.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts can greatly benefit from the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course. The course teaches a five-step method to analyze and find the root cause of a problem, a useful skill for Business Analysts to master in order to perform their core duties. Business Analysts must also be able to think both critically and creatively in order to analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop solutions that meet the needs of the business. Taking this course will help Business Analysts prepare for and excel in their roles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Software Engineer

Those working as Software Engineers may find the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course useful in sharpening essential problem-solving skills that are necessary for succeeding in this role. The course teaches a five-step method to analyze and find the root cause of a problem, a skill necessary for Software Engineers to master in order to develop efficient code. Additionally, by teaching critical and creative thinking, the course helps Software Engineers approach problems from different perspectives which may lead to more innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Product Manager

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Product Managers with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course also helps develop critical and creative thinking skills, two essential skills for Product Managers in order to gather requirements, define product vision, and execute the roadmap for new products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager

Consultant

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course teaches a problem-solving technique that teaches how to analyze and find the root cause of a problem, a useful skill for Consultants to master in order to perform their core duties. Consultants also work with diverse stakeholders and must be able to think both critically and creatively in order to clearly communicate complex information. Taking this course will help Consultants excel in their roles.

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Systems Analyst

Systems Analysts may find the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course helpful in sharpening essential problem-solving skills that are necessary for succeeding in this role. The course teaches a five-step method to analyze and find the root cause of a problem, a skill necessary for Systems Analysts to master in order to design and implement efficient systems. Additionally, by teaching critical and creative thinking, the course helps Systems Analysts approach problems from different perspectives which may lead to more innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Systems Analyst

Analyst

Analysts may find the Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course helpful in sharpening essential problem-solving skills that are necessary for succeeding in this role. The course teaches a five-step method to analyze and find the root cause of a problem, a skill necessary for Analysts to master in order to derive meaningful insights from data. Additionally, by teaching critical and creative thinking, the course helps Analysts approach problems from different perspectives which may lead to more innovative solutions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Analyst

Innovation Specialist

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course is a useful resource for Innovation Specialists as it teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Innovation Specialists with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course also helps develop critical and creative thinking skills, two essential skills for Innovation Specialists as they work to develop and implement new ideas.

See salaries and explore the career path for Innovation Specialist

Data Scientist

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course offers a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Data Scientists with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course will sharpen critical and creative thinking skills that are essential for Data Scientists as they work to interpret and analyze large datasets, identify and form solutions to new problems, and communicate their findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Process Improvement Specialist

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course may be useful for Process Improvement Specialists as it teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Process Improvement Specialists with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course will also help sharpen critical and creative thinking skills that are essential for Process Improvement Specialists as they work to improve processes and systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Process Improvement Specialist

Business Process Analyst

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course may be useful for Business Process Analysts as it teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Business Process Analysts with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course will sharpen critical and creative thinking skills that are essential for Business Process Analysts as they work to analyze and improve business processes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Process Analyst

Change Manager

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course may be useful for Change Managers as it teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Change Managers with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course will sharpen critical and creative thinking skills that are essential for Change Managers as they work to implement change and manage resistance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Change Manager

Manager

The Solving Problems with Creative and Critical Thinking course teaches a five-step method for problem-solving, which familiarizes Managers with the means of analyzing and addressing problems systematically. The course will sharpen critical and creative thinking skills that are essential for Managers as they work to lead their teams and make strategic decisions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manager